About Peter Yarrow

Since high school Peter Yarrow’s commitment and life’s work have been directed by awareness that music of conscience can have an extraordinary effect when utilized in efforts to positively transform society. As a performer and social activist, Peter has used music to inspire and mobilize people and create a more just, peaceful, and compassionate society. Through such efforts, beginning in the early 1960’s, the music of Peter, Paul and Mary became, for literally millions of people, the genesis of their awakening to activism, idealism and a life long commitment to working for positive social change.

Now, after almost five decades of advocacy for civil rights, peace, social justice and a sustainable environment, Peter’s activities have become focused on the work Operation Respect (OR), a non-profit he founded a decade ago that disseminates a free classroom-based program “Don’t Laugh At Me”(DLAM). Utilizing the creative arts in conjunction with research-based curricula to help to create a caring, respectful classroom environment, DLAM addresses the toxic culture of bullying, thereby helping to eliminate the emotional and physical violence that afflicts today’s children.

As an artist and member of Peter Paul and Mary, Yarrow’s gift for songwriting has produced some of the trio’s most moving songs such as “Puff, The Magic Dragon”, “Day Is Done” “The Great Mandala” and “Light One Candle”. Peter believes that, “The transformation of society, so greatly needed in these times, can only partially come about through the creation of better laws and fairer public policies. Change must be created in our hearts for it to take hold and sustain. Beyond our intellect, the nurturing of our spirit is essential.” “And that,” says Peter, “is where music and the arts play their special role.”